About

$11,281

pledged of $10,000 goal

100

backers

Wini + George is a live-action film that follows the growing bond between an older woman nearing the end of her life and a young boy just starting to discover his. When George, a shy 9-year-old outcast, moves into the same apartment complex as Wini, a 75-year-old recluse, he's immediately frightened by the "witch" who lives down the hall. But soon enough, the two realize they have more in common with each other than they do with the rest of the world. It’s sweet, funny, and a little heartbreaking, with a magical twist. There’s something in it for everyone, unless your heart is made of coal. If that’s the case, then this might just be the story to change that.

We are here, along with a fantastic team of creative individuals, to ask you to lend a pretty penny in making this short film a reality. For those unfamiliar with Kickstarter, it’s a viral platform that helps us raise funds for the film. Our goal – which is the bare minimum needed to make the film come true – is $10,000. If we don’t make this goal within 30 days, we won't receive any funding (not a penny). So we need your help now!

Ben on the set of our Kickstarter shoot

Before going forward with this project, we had to ask ourselves some difficult questions that you might have as well.

Q: Like, what’s the film about?

A: The film is about a young boy struggling with his own identity and his relationship with the one person who allows him to be himself. It’s about finding love and friendship in the most unexpected places. It’s about one's struggle with self-acceptance, something we’re all familiar with.

Q: Why should I care about your film?

A: We'll let Ben take this one: I can tell you why this film is important to me. Maybe that can help you make your decision to support us.

When I was younger, I always felt a little different. I liked to play with pink ponies instead of action figures. I daydreamed a lot and was kind of shy. Other kids made fun of me and bullied me. I pretended to be sick so I could stay home. Yet, despite my differences, my grandparents continually encouraged me and never cast me down. They passed away before I came into my own as an adult, gay man – except for my maternal grandmother, Wini. I had the opportunity to share this part of my life with her before she died. But I was too afraid. This fable is for that missed opportunity. This is a time when young people are cast out by their peers for reasons they don’t understand. All it takes is for one person to extend a friendly hand. Through Wini and George’s eyes, we’ll see it’s never too late or too early to learn how to live life with fervency and love – for yourself, and for others.

Q:Wait, before I put money into your project, who’s making it?

A: Good point! This crew is kinda outstanding. It’s humbling to be a part of such a great group of people. You should click on this link for individual bios.

Q: Why do you need money?

A: While creating Wini and George's world may seem simple enough, there's a lot more than meets the eye. Our crew is building the interiors of both Wini and George's apartments on a soundstage at USC. Not only will we need money for building materials, labor and all that other fun stuff, but we want to shoot on a high-end digital camera called the Red One as well as travel around Los Angeles to film on location. Throw in post-production costs, festival submission fees, and all the other unforeseen expenses that come with making a film: it adds up. That's where we need your help.

Q: Where will you be filming?

A: We are based in Los Angeles. Many of us attend or have attended the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts (George Lucas’ alma mater). We all feel like we’ve lucked out by being part of such a fancy-shmancy program where we've learned some important life skills, like how to make movies and stuff.

Q: Is this film going to change the world?

A: How 'bout this: if it doesn’t change the world, then perhaps it can shed a little light on the internal experiences of those who feel they have no outlet to express themselves. One thing is for sure: YOU will change OUR world by donating to the project.

Support

Select this reward

Pledge US$ 10 or more
About $10

Awesome. We’ll be thinking of you because you thought about us and we know how much even a dollar is hard to come by these days. You'll receive a DIGITAL COPY of the FILM'S POSTER + WALLPAPER + a THANK YOU in our credits.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 25 or more
About $25

We really, sincerely appreciate it. We're tempted to say we love you, but we don’t want to come off as easy. You'll receive: ALL OF THE ABOVE + an HD DOWNLOAD OF THE FILM. Ben will also send you an ORIGINAL CREPE RECIPE, cause you know, he's French.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 500 or more
About $500

We love you. You'll receive ALL OF THE ABOVE + SPECIAL THANKS ON IMDB + your own PROFILE on our webpage + your very own PERSONALIZED MY LITTLE PONY. These little ponies play a big part in this film and you get to have your very own. You know you want one. No one has to know.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 1,000 or more
About $1,000

We bow to you! Ben is jumping out of his skin - seriously calm yourself, Ben. We'll always think of you as this film's Steven Spielberg or Harvey Weinstein. You'll receive: ALL OF THE ABOVE + DINNER WITH THE DIRECTOR & PRODUCERS + SPECIAL ON SET VISIT (regional) + Ben will grow a FRENCH HANDLEBAR MUSTACHE (not kidding).